Third degree burns
Here you'll find our current definition of the critical illness, additional condition or child specific condition we cover. We've also listed any previous definitions we may have had. With each new definition we've highlighted what's changed from the previous definition.
Current definition
March 2022 (ACC)
Third degree burns – covering at least 5% but less than 20% of the body’s surface area or at least 10% but less than 20% of surface area of the face
Burns that involve damage or destruction of the skin to its full depth through to the underlying tissue and covering at least 5% and less than 20% of the body’s surface area, or at least 10% and less than 20% of the surface area of the face which for the purpose of this definition includes the forehead and ears.
Changes from the previous definition
We've updated the bodies surface area to at least 5% and the surface of the face to 10% but less than 20%.
Previous definitions
November 2015 (ACC)
Third degree burns – covering at least 10% but less than 20% of the body’s surface area or at least 25% but less than 50% of surface area of the face
Burns that involve damage or destruction of the skin to its full depth through to the underlying tissue and covering at least 10% and less than 20% of the body’s surface area, or at least 25% and less than 50% of the surface area of the face which for the purpose of this definition includes the forehead and ears.